'Fantastic day for Londoners' as TfL approved superhighway plans

Chris Boardman has hailed a ‘fantastic day for Londoners’ after Transport for London approved final plans for the ‘Crossrail for bikes’.

British Cycling’s policy advisor says the segregated cycleways will make the pursuit more attractive for everyone as the £160m scheme gets underway.

The scheme will be completed by the end of 2016 and will help treble the number of cycle journeys made over the next 10 years, according to TfL.

“This is a fantastic day for Londoners as well as the many million people who visit the capital every year,” Boardman said.

“This vision for large-scale, properly segregated cycle ways will make cycling a more attractive transport option, creating a more pleasant, healthy and sustainable London for everyone.

“The move brings the capital one step closer to creating a true cycling culture to rival cities like Copenhagen and Amsterdam. But most importantly of all, it will set a standard for the rest of the country.”

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, promised work will commence as soon as possible although the superhighways may face legal action from the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association.

“We know that Londoners want these routes and that they want them to be delivered to the high standard I promised, as quickly as possible,” he said. “I will keep that promise and spades will begin hitting the ground next month.”